Each winter, influenza poses a serious challenge across Northern Ireland.
As flu season returns, the annual vaccination campaign remains one of the most effective defences against preventable illness and winter pressures on the health service.
Across Northern Ireland, community pharmacies continue to play a vital role – not only by administering vaccines but by reaching people who might otherwise miss out. Accessibility, trusted relationships and ability to engage hard-to-reach groups make pharmacists essential partners in improving flu jab uptake and protecting public health.
This year, more than 593,000 people have already received a flu jab, with uptake strongest
among care home residents (80 %) and older adults (73.7 %). Primary school children also show encouraging coverage at 64.9 %.
But gaps remain. Uptake is lower among certain at-risk adults, including those aged 16-64 with chronic conditions and among frontline care home staff (6.5% uptake) – groups who are critical to protecting the most vulnerable.
Reaching Care Home Staff
Although vaccination rates among care home residents are consistently high, uptake among staff remains much lower. This disparity is often due to a combination of shift patterns, limited time off and lingering misconceptions about the importance of vaccination. Community pharmacies are well placed to help close this gap by partnering with care homes to offer on-site vaccination clinics or flexible appointment options, while reminding staff to protect both residents and colleagues from the spread of flu.
Engaging At-Risk Adults
Flu vaccination uptake also tends to be lower among adults under 65 who live with chronic
health conditions, despite their increased vulnerability to complications. Pharmacies can
make a meaningful difference for this group through a more proactive and personalised
approach. By using patient medication records to identify those eligible, pharmacists can send tailored text messages or app notifications as timely reminders. Opportunities to offer the vaccine during routine medicine collections or consultations can further increase uptake by making access effortless and immediate.
Strengthening Partnerships
Joint campaigns with GPs and public health teams can amplify messaging, reduce duplication and ensure consistent advice. Workplace vaccination events – especially in large employers such as care facilities – are a proven way to improve convenience and coverage.
The Bigger Picture
Pharmacies already make a significant contribution to flu vaccination delivery, but their
role in reaching harder-to-engage groups is increasingly important. By offering flexible
services, building partnerships and tailoring messages, pharmacists can help close the uptake gap, protect vulnerable communities and easewinter pressures on the health system.